Lunar New Year was celebrated this year from January 29 until February 12. VSB schools celebrated and learned in a variety of ways from watching performances to creating paper lanterns. 2025 is the Year of the Snake, symbolizing intuition, strategy and elegance.

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Mackenzie

Mackenzie Principal Christepher Wee and Grade 7 student Maddie, pose with lion to celebrate Lunar New Year

On February 10, Mackenzie Elementary gathered for a special Lunar New Year school assembly. The assembly began with a Grade 4/5 class performing a dragon dance. While a group of students worked as a team to puppet a 10-foot-long dragon, others provided musical accompaniment on percussion instruments. 

Next, students learned about the significance of the lion dance and watched a performance from the Shao Lin Hung Gar Kung Fu Association. According to drummer George, the lion dance has its origins in Chinese legend. “Legend has it that every year, a ferocious beast would come attack the village. To defend themselves from attack, villagers made loud noises and performed the lion dance to scare away the beast.” Students sat in awe as the lion weaved its way through the gymnasium moving rhythmically to loud percussion. 

This was the first time Grade 7 student Maddie saw a lion dance live and was proud to witness her culture represented at school. “To me it means a lot, it’s really cool that we can share our culture at school,” says Maddie. At home, the Lunar New Year is welcomed intimately with her family. “The day before Chinese New Year, we make sure to shower and wash off all the bad energy. The next day we say, ‘Gung Hay Fat Choy’ (Cantonese greeting of great happiness and prosperity) to our grandparents. After school, we get red envelopes and have a Chinese dinner,” explains Maddie. 

After the assembly, the lion paid a visit to every class, bringing good fortune and luck for the year ahead!

Nootka 

Lions bring good fortune at Nootka

On January 27, the Nootka Elementary School community came alive with the vibrant sights and sounds of the Lunar New Year celebration. The Hon Hsing Athletic Club of Vancouver performed a spectacular twin lion dance, marking the Year of the Snake with a wonderful show.  

The beats from the drums and the clashing of cymbals echoed through the courtyard. The lions, embodying wisdom and power, danced and leaped to grab hanging lettuce and lucky money (利是" lai see or 紅包 hung bao), bringing good fortune and chasing away bad spirits. The act of "plucking the greens" (cai qing) symbolizes the gathering of wealth and good fortune. The word "cai" sounds like "fortune," and "qing" sounds like "youth" or "green," representing new beginnings and growth. The lions spit out the greens after to spread good fortune. Nootka students, staff and families were sure to have received some good luck! 

Norma Rose Point

Like at Mackenzie, Norma Rose Point Elementary was honoured to experience the vibrant sounds and colors of the lion dance team from the Shao Lin Hung Gar Kung Fu Association. The group welcomed the Lunar New Year in a positive way. Students and staff alike were captivated by the lion dance and grateful to be introduced to a new tradition. Many thanks to the PAC for their support in bringing this performance to Norma Rose!

Trafalgar 

In February, Trafalgar Elementary held its annual Spring Festival to welcome the Lunar New Year. Students participated in dumpling making and shadow puppet theatrics all while learning about Lunar New Year’s significance. This annual event has become a favourite of the Trafalgar community, bringing together teachers, parent volunteers and students for a fun day of celebration and learning. 

Norquay

Year of the Snake decor at NorquayJanuary ended with the celebration of Lunar New Year at Norquay Elementary! Students learned how different Asian countries take part in this important celebration. Thanks to the school’s PAC, students enjoyed a lion dance performance and a demonstration of Taekwondo featuring many Norquay students. As Norquay is home to the Mandarin bilingual program, many classes created art installations that featured carefully written Lunar New Year greetings in Mandarin!  

While the celebrations may be over, students throughout the District eagerly await the many gifts promised by the Year of the Snake including wealth and wisdom. Happy Lunar New Year, VSB!